Expedition - Real community needs- Training Course In Croatia, Oroslavje | December 6-13, 2026
We are excited to invite you to participate in the multinational training course “Expedition - Real community needs”, which will take place in Oroslavje, Croatia, from 6–13 December 2026 (travel days included).
This training will bring together youth workers, educators, and facilitators to explore how to identify the real needs of young people and communities—and turn what they learn into relevant, inclusive, and responsible youth work.
Overview of the Project
Meaningful youth work starts with understanding the people and communities we work with. However, activities are sometimes designed around assumptions, familiar methods, or organisational priorities without giving young people enough space to express their needs.
“Expedition – Real Community Needs” invites participants to explore how listening, research, and community engagement can inform the activities they create. The course will strengthen their ability to ask relevant questions, recognise different perspectives, critically assess information, and involve young people in shaping initiatives that respond to their everyday realities.
Grounded in non-formal education, the programme includes practical exercises, simulations, and fieldwork in a local community. Participants will explore ethical approaches to gathering and interpreting information, reflect on their own assumptions, and practise translating findings into meaningful youth work activities.
The training will also explore how AI can support youth work, while encouraging participants to critically assess its outputs, recognise its limitations, and use it responsibly.
Main Aim
To strengthen the capacity of youth workers, educators, and facilitators to identify the real needs of young people and communities and use this evidence to design relevant, inclusive, and responsible youth work.
Training Course Objectives
Throughout the training, participants will develop their ability to:
Understand local communities and explore the different realities, perspectives, and needs of young people.
Use research and active listening skills to gather meaningful information through participatory approaches.
Recognise assumptions and biases and critically assess the information they collect.
Apply ethical principles when engaging with communities and interpreting their experiences.
Translate identified needs into relevant and inclusive youth work activities.
Explore how AI can support research and activity planning while critically evaluating its limitations and outputs.
Profile of Participants
We are looking for 3 youth workers, educators, and facilitators who are active in the youth work field and motivated to develop their ability to shape meaningful activities based on real community needs.
The training is particularly suitable for people who already design learning activities, as well as those who expect to take on an activity design or facilitation role in the near future.
Previous facilitation experience can support the learning process, but extensive training experience is not required.
Participants are expected to:
Have sufficient spoken and written English to participate actively in discussions, group work, and practical activities.
Be motivated to explore community needs through listening, research, and fieldwork.
Be open to questioning their assumptions and learning from different perspectives.
Participate actively in the full programme and collaborate with an international group.
Be interested in applying what they learn in their own youth work or community activities.
Ready to join the training? Click to register and secure your spot About Oroslavje
The city of Oroslavje is located in the northern part of Croatia, near the city of Zagreb. It lies along major routes connecting Western Europe, Zagreb, and the Adriatic coast. With such traffic connections, the doors of economic, agricultural, touristic, cultural, and other development are open to it. Although small, this town will win you over with its offers, hospitality, and friendliness.
A Must‑Have Souvenir
An original souvenir from a visit to Croatia is a tie, a must‑have item of clothing in the business world, and an authentic Croatian product. In the 17th century, Croatian soldiers used to tie elegant scarves around their necks, a fashion later picked up by the French; the rest is history.
Accommodation – Hotel Zagi
Participants will be accommodated at Hotel Zagi Oroslavje, located only 30 minutes (approximately 30 km) from Zagreb. The hotel offers beautiful rooms, a large conference room for the working part of the project and evening hangouts, and free Wi‑Fi throughout the building for both project work and leisure.
Participants will stay in double and triple bedrooms with participants of the same gender from different countries.
Ready to join the training? Click to register and secure your spot For continuous updates on our programmes, events, and Erasmus+ opportunities, make sure to follow YESOLP on all our social media channels.
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